As I get older I have a lot of questions about my running performances and what they really mean to me. What is performance? Who am I performing for? Am I really going to compete or am I going to complete?

This helps a lot of people who approach form analysis in a heavy handed manner. That is they would like instant or quick results after the session. The instrument analogy is a strong one because it allows the principle of practice and mastery to be understood. When you first begin playing an instrument one can feel clumsy and a little out of sorts. 'Getting it' takes time and although we would love to play fast pieces of music there is a deep understanding that practice makes perfect. Running in my mind is no different from any other skill. As you understand your instrument, alignment and breath you will get the best out of it. Even as we get older your will simply sound different.

Unbelievably running does just that, if you allow yourself to focus on running as a process for you and not simply an outcome to be squeezed into a challenge frame of mind then you learn to be compassionate to yourself, your awareness of who you are becomes heightened and, if following a form based approach to running, then your understanding of what a moment can bring becomes clear. When I teach chi running I emphasise that I am not teaching a static fixed movement that is rigid but an awareness that the window of balance is fluid, this moves depending on the surface, gradient or just with you.

In Chi running the process and signposts of form are as important in raising your awareness of the present. Your running furrows become deeper: you appreciate metaphorically and physically each step. Chi Running improves mindfulness, enhances your quality of thought and gives a sense of balance. This is above and beyond the physical benefits of running which there are plenty.

The best effect of form running is that this does influence you outside of your running time. As you become more aware of your body and it's responsiveness to different environments You become more acutely aware of your inner you (breathing) and how you respond and engage with the outer you(improved relationships, calmer, focused, steady, time for people) .